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Individual & Family

Need 2026 Coverage?

If you just went through a life change like getting married, having a baby or a career shift, explore your plan options with BCBSTX through Special Enrollment. You can still enroll in 2026 coverage through Special Enrollment. To keep coverage into 2027, choose a plan during Open Enrollment.

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Summary

What is the Special Enrollment Period? 

There are 2 different enrollment periods each year for Affordable Care Act (ACA) individual and family plans: the Open Enrollment Period and the Special Enrollment Period. During Open Enrollment (Nov. 1 - Jan. 15), almost anyone can enroll in a new health care plan.

During Special Enrollment, you need to go through a big life change to get new coverage. These changes are sometimes known as “qualifying life events” or “special enrollment events.” They often impact the coverage of you or your family, giving you the chance to pick health insurance that better fits you and your family.

Qualifying Events

Learn If You Can Get Coverage Through Special Enrollment

If you've gone through a life event or change, like losing your Medicaid coverage, having or adopting a baby or starting a new job, you may be able to enroll in a health plan during the Special Enrollment Period.1

ENROLL

How to Enroll During Special Enrollment

If you’ve had a life event that qualifies you to update your plan, review these next steps for BCBSTX enrollment.

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Have a Life Event

Find out if your life event allows you to enroll in a plan during Special Enrollment.

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Understand Your Timeline

You normally have 60 days from the date of your life event to update your health plan.

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Gather Documentation

You might need to send in documents, like a marriage certificate or birth certificate, that prove your life event when enrolling.

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Find a Plan

When you find a plan, compare your options, apply and pay your first bill for coverage.

SUPPORT

Speak With a Health Plan Specialist

A BCBSTX licensed health plan specialist can help you understand your options and take you step-by-step through enrolling. Give us a call for support when choosing your new plan.

Valid Documents

Submitting Your Documents: What, When & Why?

Depending on your life event, you may need to submit "proof" showing when your life event happened. The most common life events you'll need documents for are:

  • Change in your household size: marriage, birth or adoption
  • Loss of qualifying coverage: job loss or turning 26
  • Change in your residence: moving

You'll need to submit your documents when you're enrolling in a plan or, if you're applying before your even occurs, soon after. Check a list of valid documents for your qualifying life event.

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FAQS

Explore Special Enrollment FAQs

Have questions about the Special Enrollment Period or how to shop? You're not alone. Find answers to some of our members' most asked questions about Special Enrollment.

Additional Benefits

Benefits Beyond Your Health Plan Coverage

Track your wellness journey through the Well onTarget® program to earn up to $100 in gift cards annually with Blue Points℠ rewards. Find discounts for health and wellness purchases through Blue365®. Learn how to start using your BCBSTX benefits.

1Members of American Indian and Alaska Native tribes can apply for health care coverage any month of the year. If you qualify for Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or other assistance based on your income, you do not need to enroll during the Special Enrollment Period.

2The following are not considered loss of coverage: voluntarily canceling your health insurance plan, having your plan canceled because you did not pay your premiums or because your plan did not meet the requirements set by the Affordable Care Act for Minimum Essential Coverage.

*GO Wellbeing and all associated digital programs and services are powered by Sharecare, Inc. Sharecare is contracted by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas to deliver a select collection of lifestyle programs, tools, and apps.